Victor Romero Valdez passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2017 to conclude his life's journey that began in Del Rio, Texas on May 29, 1929. He was a child of the Great Depression and made it his life's purpose to give his family a better life, serve those who were less fortunate, and  take on whatever responsibility was needed to achieve those goals. His success in living a life for others cannot be measured in an obituary, but by the smiles that his fellow man display when they hear his name.

His humble beginnings as a migrant farm worker led Victor and his family to California, and as a young man he was drafted to serve in the Korean War stationed in Alaska(his military service is marked by his past membership at American Legion Post 217 and 669). After his honorary discharge he took several service jobs until finding his life vocation as a welder for FMC Corporation, now known as United Defense. He was a 33 year IAM union member and became the best at his craft over that time.

He settled in Gilroy and met his future wife Anna Maria DeLaRosa at an arranged date at Wheeler Auditorium and they soon married on December 9, 1956 and would celebrate 54 years of marriage until Anna's passing in 2010.  They would have 5 children and a lifetime of family and friends of family pass through their doors. In the face of tragedy Victor became father and caregiver to his youngest son, Daniel, who required around the clock care for 26 years until his death in 2006, a life example of his commitment to love and care for his family.

This extended to his beloved Catholic Church, as a served as door to door missionary, Deacon and member of Knights of Columbus,  Men's Club and Legion of Mary for St Mary Church. He was often seen  at home with his rosary daily,  a broom at spaghetti dinner  once a month, or a Bible at the lectern on Sunday.  His devotion to his family was only exceeded by his devotion to serving his Lord and Savior.

Victor is survived by his son Victor Jr,  daughter Joyce(Ray), sons Eugene(Lisa) and Tony(Gayle), and his grandchildren Jeanine(Victor), Jesse, Eli and Briana(Joyce and Ray), Amy, Jessica, Melanie and Grace(Eugene and Lisa), and Jeremy, Josh and Anthony(Tony and Gayle) and 7 great grandchildren. He loved family gatherings, Giants games and lunch with his bride after church.

His life will be celebrated and remembered with a Catholic rosary at Habing Family Funeral Home on February 16, 2017 at 7pm, funeral at St. Mary Church on February 17, 2017 at 10am, burial following the funeral at St. Mary Cemetery, and reception following the burial at Gilroy City Hall.

For online condolences please visit habingfamilyfuneralhome.com